Physiological impacts of valerian extract and lemon balm on some neurobiomarkers in broilers

Two flowering plants, Valeriana officinalis L. (valerian) and Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm), have a sedative effect. Valerianic acid, flavonoids, and iridoids have been discovered in many distinct compounds; these compounds have anxiolytic characteristics and have been frequently utilized as a measure of sedative effect. Lemon balm has been shown to have antiseptic, antipyretic, spasm-relieving, and calming properties.

Our study aimed to judge the efficiency of the two extracts for sedation in order to offer the poultry industry more substantial physiological upsides.

In April 2023, 80 broiler chicks were segregated into four cohorts (20/group); the control group got a typical diet, whereas the second and third groups received valerian extract (4 ml/l) and lemon balm extract (2 ml/l), respectively. In the final group, two extracts were blended at the same dosage.

When analyzed by Immunohistochemistry (IHC), valerian exhibited moderate expression of two neurotransmitters in brain tissue, as well as intense positivity for serotonin in the mixed group, whereas lemon balm exhibited weak γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) expression but moderate positivity for serotonin. Additionally, both valerian alone and with lemon balm (mixed group) significantly raised GABA levels, whereas all three treatments raised serotonin levels in the brain tissue. According to the hematological knowledge, each of the treatments had significantly greater RBC and packed cell volume than the control group, but valerian and lemon balm had high hemoglobin pigment values, while valerian did not differ statistically from the control or mixed groups.

It finds that valerian or lemon balm, either alone or in combination, exhibits GABA and serotonin expression, which boosts the sedative impact, as evidenced by improved weight gain and performance with some hematologic indicators.